US Defense secretary reaffirms alliance with Japan, says no need for dramatic US military moves in South China Sea

Mattis reiterated that provocations by North Korea, which is advancing its nuclear weapons and missile programs, as well as China's growing assertiveness in the South and East China Seas, left no room for doubt about US commitment to Japan's defense. This was similar to the message that Mattis—making his first overseas trip since taking office—delivered in South Korea, Washington's other key Asian ally, earlier in the week.

Matthis also played down any need for major US military moves in the South China Sea to contend with China's assertive behavior, even as he sharply criticized Beijing for "shredding the trust of nations in the region." "At this time, we do not see any need for dramatic military moves at all," Mattis told a news conference in Tokyo, stressing that the focus should be on diplomacy.